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Graham-Mebane Lake
General Information
Graham-Mebane Lake General Information
3218 Bason Road
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: (919) 563-6544
Visit this link for Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions
Facilities & Program Updates to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Masks/face coverings are required inside the building.
• On piers and bank fishing areas, please do your part and stay 6 feet apart.
• Space is limited in bank fishing areas and picnic areas.
• The restrooms are open for use. Doors are locked, ask lake staff for a key. Restrooms will be cleaned every 2 hours during these times as a COVID-19 precaution. Use at your own risk.
• The Tackle Loaner Program has been postponed until further notice.
• The restrooms are open for use. Doors are locked, ask lake staff for a key. Restrooms will be cleaned every 2 hours during these times as a COVID-19 precaution. Use at your own risk.
• The Tackle Loaner Program has been postponed until further notice.
• Open-Air Shelter Rentals has been cancelled until further notice.
Graham-Mebane Lake is a 650-acre municipal reservoir. Formerly known as Quaker Lake, the Lake was expanded from 150 acres to its’ present size in 1994. In addition to Quaker Creek, four other creeks (Otter, Mill, Stagg, and Back) feed into the Lake, covering a watershed area of approximately 66 square miles. The Lake’s primary purpose is a source of drinking water for the citizens of Graham, Mebane, Green Level, and Swepsonville.
As a source for recreation, Graham-Mebane Lake offers sport fishing, boating, skiing, paddle sports, bank fishing, and picnicking. The facility features a marina office where sales of user permits, bait, fishing supplies, concessions, and paddle vessel rentals are performed. A seven-lane boat ramp offers ample space for loading and retrieving several boats at once. There are two docks for securing boats and a kayak launch, with handrails and rollers for easy launching of kayaks and canoes. The bank fishing area features approximately 1000 feet of shoreline, two fishing piers, multiple fish attractors, picnic tables, and a shelter. The Lake offers several tournaments and family programs throughout the year; however, no swimming or wading is allowed.
As a source for recreation, Graham-Mebane Lake offers sport fishing, boating, skiing, paddle sports, bank fishing, and picnicking. The facility features a marina office where sales of user permits, bait, fishing supplies, concessions, and paddle vessel rentals are performed. A seven-lane boat ramp offers ample space for loading and retrieving several boats at once. There are two docks for securing boats and a kayak launch, with handrails and rollers for easy launching of kayaks and canoes. The bank fishing area features approximately 1000 feet of shoreline, two fishing piers, multiple fish attractors, picnic tables, and a shelter. The Lake offers several tournaments and family programs throughout the year; however, no swimming or wading is allowed.
To ensure a safe trip, follow all NCWRC boating rules and regulations. Graham-Mebane Lake is an alcohol-free facility. Pets must be leashed with leash in hand and remain under positive control. Parking is limited, so please carpool if possible. Restrooms are available at the marina and along the bank fishing area.
Lightning Policy
For safety, Graham-Mebane Lake restricts admittance during periods of lightning, heavy rain, and fog until safe boating/fishing is assured. The lake does not put boats on the water or anglers on the bank until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 10 miles. Boaters already on the water and anglers already fishing in the bank area must use their own judgement as when to seek safety during lightning conditions.
Fishing
Fishing
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the most sought after species in Graham-Mebane Lake. Other species include bluegill, carp, and shad. An angler is allowed a limit of five (5) bass over 14 inches per day. There are no other size or number limits on fish.
The marina provides an assortment of live bait including crickets, red worms, and night crawlers. Fishing supplies (hooks, bobbers, weights, stringers) are also available. The marina offers refreshments to purchase (drink and snack machines). Take a break in the Lake office to discuss the best fishing spots with the marina staff and be sure to check out the Fish Photo Wall of Fame, all from the current year.
The lake hosts the year-round Big Bass Tournament and several Catfish Tournaments each year. Due to limited parking, we require that Club Tournaments register with us before planning a tournament at the lake.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Fisheries Research Fact Sheet
NC Wildlife Tackle Loaner Program
Graham-Mebane Lake participates in the NC Wildlife Tackle Loaner Program. The program is designed to introduce kids (ages 6 to 12) to fishing by allowing them to sign out fishing rods to use free of charge. Parental guidance is required. Please ask Lake Staff for more information.
Community Fishing Program
The Graham Recreation and Parks Department has joined with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission’s Community Fishing Program to install a handicap-accessible fishing pier and solar-powered fish feeders to make fishing more enjoyable for all anglers. A second pier was installed to reduce crowding and allow bank anglers to fish areas that were previously out of reach.
There are four fish feeders near the shoreline to attract fish closer to the bank fishing area. These feeders, the two fishing piers, and the fish attractors combine to make bank fishing at the lake fun and productive. This makes our Bank Fishing Area ideal for families seeking enjoyable and economical fishing trips.
Club Tournaments
Club tournaments are welcome at Graham-Mebane Lake; but due to limited parking (maximum 45 boat trailers) we have several rules:
- Tournaments are limited to 20 boats per day. Whether it is one 20-boat, two 10-boat, or three 6-boat tournaments, the total cannot surpass 20 boats.
- Clubs must register their tournament and reserve their date, preferably at least one week beforehand.
- Give us the completed Check-In Form and collected User Fees when you arrive the day of your tournament to speed up launching.
- To protect the fishery from unnecessary loss, we do not allow tournaments in June, July, and August.
- All lake regulations, including size limits, apply.
Good luck and let us know your winning weights before you go – we’re always interested!
To Register:
- Come by the marina or call us at (919) 563-6544 during normal operating hours. We’ll need the tournament organizer’s name, phone number, and expected number of boats. It’s first come, first served for tournament dates.
- Pick up or download the Club Tournament Check-In Form
Programs & Events
Programs & Events
All events are tentative pending COVID-19 and Executive Order Phase Guidelines.
2021 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament
Season-Long Dates: March 1 – October 17
Times: During Operational Hours
Ages: 16 & older
Cost: $25.00 per year, covers the entire tournament (normal lake user fees apply)
Details: Graham-Mebane Lake sponsors a Season-Long Big Bass Tournament. Join the tournament anytime during the season. Fish as often as you like each month, the heaviest Largemouth Bass caught and weighed in by an entrant during the current month wins that month. There will be a total of eight monthly winners for the season, with the exception of a tie. Each monthly winner receives an Annual User Fee Permit ($50 to $85 value) for the upcoming year and qualifies for the Fish-Off held in October. Top 3 finishers in the Fish-Off receive monetary prizes: Fish-Off payout is based on 75% of entry fees collected, divided as follows: First Place – 50%, Second Place – 30%, and Third Place – 20%. Tournament entry fee must be paid before catching and weighing a fish, normal lake user fees apply. Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Season-Long Big Bass Tournament Survey
| 2021 Big Bass Tournament Results | ||
Month | Winner | Winning Weight |
| March | Jeremy Stalker | 9.17 lbs. |
| April | Zachary Smith | 8.93 lbs. |
| May | Curtis Rippey | 7.98 lbs. |
| June | ||
| July | ||
| August | ||
| September | ||
| October | ||
2020 Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off Results
1st Place – Kurt Krone – 7.01 lbs.
2nd Place – Cale Rogers – 5.98 lbs.
3rd Place – Curtis Rippey – 5.35 lbs.
Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021
Times: Gate opens at 7:00am, mandatory meeting at 7:30am, launch will follow. Tournament begins at 8:00am, all boats return by 3:00pm for weigh in.
Ages: 16 & older (at least one entrant per boat must be age 16 or older)
Cost: $100 per boat, 1 or 2 people (maximum of 2 people per boat) • $110 same-day registration
Details: Pre-registration begins in-person on Saturday, March 13 at the marina at 3:00pm. First come, first served. 75% Payout to the top three spots. 100% Big Fish Payout will cost an additional $10 per boat. All prizes/payouts will be awarded by check, mailed or picked up at Graham City Hall on the following Tuesday after 2:00pm. Space is limited, 20 boat maximum. For more information and tournament rules, please call (919) 563-6544. Tournament Rules
2021 Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament Results
With a tie for First Place, First and Second Place prize money was added together and evenly split amongst the two tied teams.
First Place Tie, Two Teams with 15.22 lbs.: Ben Mebane/Zach Huey and Jacob Miles/Daniel Welsh
Second Place: N/A
Third Place with 8.97 lbs.: Shan Strigo/Julian Doby
Big Fish at 6.34 lbs.: Ben Mebane/Zach Huey Team
Bank Fishing Catfish Tournaments
Dates: Saturdays – May 15, June 12, July 10, August 7
Time: 8:00pm – Midnight (on 08/07, times are 7:00pm – 11:00pm)
Ages: For all ages, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to cast, hook a fish, and reel it in by themselves. Adults may help net a fish.
Cost: $15 per entrant each tournament
Details: The lake sponsors several bank-fishing catfish tournaments each summer. Payout is for the three heaviest catfish caught and weighed at Graham-Mebane Lake during the tournament by three different entrants. (Entrants may weigh as many fish as they like, but only their heaviest fish will be considered.) All fish must be caught by rod, line, and hook at Graham-Mebane Lake during the tournament. There will be a 50/50 drawing during the tournament. This is an alcohol, tobacco, and vape-free event. Pets must be leashed with leash in hand and remain under positive control. Same-day, in-person signups. Live bait will be available to purchase. 2 rods per entrant.
| 2021 Catfish Tournaments Results | |
| May 15 | 1.61 lbs., 1.36 lbs., 1.07 lbs. |
Alamance Creek Week – Fishing Clinic
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Time: 4:00pm
For All Ages
Cost: Free
Alamance Creek Week, May 1 – 8, with Stormwater Smart is a way of learning more about the creeks, streams, and rivers that connect our communities here in Alamance County. It’s a weeklong series of activities like creek cleanups, Trivia Night, citizen science groups, family fishing clinics, geocaching, seed planting, and more!
Join CC King from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for some late afternoon fishing! Learn the basics or get some tips from the expert. They’ll bring the worms and have poles to loan as well (encouraged to bring your own if you have one). Remember your water, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. — whatever YOU need to be comfortable!
To register, email Danica Heflin with “ACW Fishing Day” in the Subject. In the body of the email, paste the session date & location and let them know how many people are in your group. This event is capped at 25 to allow for social distancing in-between groups. This event is subject to cancelation in case of inclement weather. For more information, visit Alamance Creek Week.
Youth Fishing Day
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2021
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 4 – 15
Cost: Free, online registration is required for all attending (REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL – WAITLIST ONLY)
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Children ages 4 to 15 are invited to participate in a FREE, non-competitive Youth Fishing Day! Enjoy fishing, raffles, SnoBalls, and games.
Registration is online only and the event is limited to the first 100 people registered (COVID-19 and Executive Order Phase Guidelines). There is no day-of-event registration or walk-ups allowed. We encourage only immediate family members attending to maximize space for youth participates and please carpool if possible. Any person attending the day of the event must register in advance. Children ages 4 to 15 will receive a t-shirt, but must register online. Bait will be provided. Check-in is from 8:30am – 9:00am on the day of the event. Register online at www.GrahamRecreationAndParks.com. Registration opens April 9.
Please note: All children must have adult supervision during this program. The bank fishing area will be closed to all anglers, except those there for the event. In the unforeseen circumstances this program is canceled, there is no rain date – the program will take place the following year. Grab your lawn chairs, fishing poles and tackle, but please no smoking/vaping, no pets, and no drones. Masks are required.
As a reminder, all people age 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or from a local tackle shop or outdoor retailer that serves as a wildlife service agent.
Register Online – Registration opens April 9 at 10:00am
Need a fishing rod? Be sure to sign up to borrow a loaner rod during registration, supply is limited. Provided by the NC Wildlife Tackle Loaner Program.
For more information, please call (919) 563-6544. Space is limited to first 100. The bank fishing area will be closed to the public during the Youth Fishing Day event from 6:30am – 12:00pm.
Thank you to our sponsor Paradise Printers.
Family Day at the Lake
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2021
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
For All Ages (certain activities may have age & weight requirements)
Cost: Free, registration is required, space is limited
Join Graham Recreation & Parks for a fun filled family afternoon at Graham-Mebane Lake. Come out and bank fish for free or head out on the water for a paddling adventure with the options of kayaking, or canoeing. The Park & Play Mobile Recreation Unit will also be available to provide family fun with a variety of yard games. Pelican’s SnoBalls will also be on site for a cool treat or feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy under the shade by the water.
Every participant must wear a PFD/life jacket while participating in water activities. The smallest PFD available at the lake is rated for youth 30lbs-50lbs. If your child wishes to participate in water activities, but weighs less than 30lbs, you must bring an appropriately sized Type I, II, or III, Coast Guard approved PFD.
Persons 9-15 years of age may be allowed to launch or operate a solo kayak/water craft if they are accompanied on the lake by a parent or legal guardian of age 18. Persons age 8 and under must be in a canoe or tandem kayak with a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Persons must be of walking age to enter any rental boat. Please arrive early to guarantee a time on the water.
We encourage you to bring your own fishing rods as we have limited supplies for loaning. As a reminder, all people age 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or from a local tackle shop or outdoor retailer that serves as a wildlife service agent.
Please note: All children must have adult supervision during this program. In the unforeseen circumstances this program is canceled, there is no rain date. The program will take place the following year. Grab your lawn chairs, fishing poles and tackle, but please no smoking/vaping, pets, or drones.
Register Online – Registration opens May 24
For more information, please call (919) 563-6544. Live bait will be available to purchase. Space is limited.
Kayak, Canoe, & Jon Boat Rentals
Kayak, Canoe, & Jon Boat Rentals
Come relax on the water and enjoy the views that Graham-Mebane Lake has to offer. The lake offers 14 single kayaks, 3 fishing kayaks, 5 tandem kayaks, and 3 canoes, as well as 2 jon boats available to rent on a first come basis. Renters have the option of “up to 4 hours” or “up to 8 hours” rental periods.
Kayaks & Canoes: Our top-tier kayak /canoe launch features a sturdy launch ramp and rollers, allows for easy launch and recovery without scraping your boat on cement ramps. Its equipped with launch and grab rails for added safety and to help keep you dry. Bring your own canoe/kayak out or rent one of ours!
Jon Boats: Jon Boat rentals are provided a 14 foot jon boat, paddles or oars, and PFDs. Renters can provide their own motors. Motors can be trolling motors or small gas motors (maximum of 10 horsepower).
Jon Boat rentals are February – November.
Kayak & Canoe rentals are available April – October.
Vessel Rental Program
| Vessel Type | Rental Period | Alamance County Residents | Non-Alamance County Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo/Fishing Kayaks | up to 4 hours | $12 | $14 |
| up to 8 hours | $18 | $21 | |
| Tandem Kayaks | up to 4 hours | $18 | $20 |
| up to 8 hours | $24 | $27 | |
| Canoes | up to 4 hours | $15 | $17 |
| up to 8 hours | $20 | $23 | |
| Jon Boats | up to 4 hours | $8 | $10 |
| up to 8 hours | $15 | $18 |
*includes Mebane residents in Orange County
To Rent a Kayak, Canoe, or Jon Boat:
• Renters must be age 16 or older
• Rentals are first come, first served; are non-refundable and non-transferable
• A valid, government-issued photo ID is required to rent
• Complete a rental agreement and liability waiver form at the Lake Office
• Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) and paddles are provided. PFD’s must be worn while on or near the water.
• No rental permits will be issued within 2 hours of closing time
• All rental boats must be returned 1 hour prior to closing time
• Persons must be of walking age to enter any rental vessel
Kayak Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older. Exception: Youth ages 14-15 may rent/operate a kayak if:
– A parent/grandparent/legal guardian signs the Waiver Release of Liability; or
– We receive parental/legal guardian permission via telephone conversation
• Youth ages 9-13 may operate a solo kayak with a parent/legal guardian-signed waiver and must be supervised on the water by said parent or legal guardian in an adjacent vessel
• Ages 8 and under must be on a tandem kayak with a parent or legal guardian
• One person allowed on solo kayak at a time
• The solo kayak weight restriction is 350 pounds
Canoe Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older
• Maximum capacity is three persons age 16 and older, or two persons age 16 and older and two persons under age 16
• There must be a person age 16 or older in the canoe
• There must be an adult (age 18 or older) in the canoe for every person age 12 and under
• Ages 8 and under must be accompanied in canoe with parent or legal guardian
• The canoe weight restriction is 1,100 pounds
Jon Boat Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older
• Maximum capacity is three persons, the maximum weight capacity is 600 pounds
• There must be an adult (age 18 or older) in the boat if there are children age 12 and under
• Ages 8 and under must be accompanied in boat by parent or legal guardian
Regulations
• Renters un-rack, launch, and re-rack kayaks by themselves
• All rental customers and passengers are REQUIRED TO WEAR THE PFD’s issued to them at all times while on or near the water
• Renters must return to the marina building to complete the checkout process. PFD’s and paddles must be returned to Lake Staff at this time
• No Swimming is allowed. If you fall in you must get out of the water immediately
• Rental boats and equipment must be returned in same condition as when they were rented
• Vessel renters and passengers may not make contact with the shoreline or bank or exit the vessel anywhere on or along Graham-Mebane Lake other than the designated launch/return area
• Vessel renters and passengers must comply with all ordinances, regulations, and rules governing the use of Graham-Mebane Lake
• Boat rental operation may be suspended and/or cancelled due to inclement weather; if in doubt call the Marina at (919) 563-6544 for possible closings
• Lake Staff reserves the right to deny rentals
Shelter Rentals
Shelter Rentals
The lake features one large picnic shelter with an outdoor grill. Reservations are recommended for the use of the large picnic shelter for scheduled events. First come, first served if there is not a reservation. Shelter reservations are accepted from April 1 – September 30. No electricity. Includes two grills (1 full size: 1088 sq. in. & 1 family size: 293 sq. in.)
Shelter Reservations
Shelter Size: 20′ x 35′ (6 tables)
Maximum capacity is 35 persons. Parking is limited, carpooling is recommended.
Times: 9:00am – 1:00pm OR 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Fees:
Graham Resident $25 per reservation period
General Public $50 per reservation period
Please contact the Graham-Mebane Lake Office for more information about reservations at (919) 563-6544. There are also several other free-of-charge picnic areas with grills located throughout the marina area offered on a first come basis.
Ski Area Usage
Ski Area Usage
Due to Water Quality, Bank/Shoreline Erosion, and Safety Concerns a six-boat, four-jet ski daily limit has been implemented for the Ski Area.
A reservation may be made beginning each Monday morning to use the designated ski area through that Sunday afternoon. Reservations are accepted on a first call basis. Only 6 boat and 4 jet-ski reservations are allowed each day. Same day reservations are accepted, however, we encourage ski area users to make their reservations early in the week. No other skiing, tubing, wake-boarding, jet skiing, etc. will be allowed.
If you need to make a reservation or are unable to use the reservation, please call the Marina at (919) 563-6544.
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FAQ's
What are the lake’s hours?
City ordinance requires that activities on the lake be limited to daylight hours. As these hours vary with the seasons, so do the lake’s operating hours. See Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions for current hours.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid NC fishing license. Licenses may be purchased online from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission or at area sporting goods stores.
What’s it cost to bank fish?
For residents of Alamance County and Mebane residents in Orange County, ages 13-64 the fee is $2; senior citizens (age 65+) $1; children 12 and younger are free. See our Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions page for boat launching and Out-of-County rates. Please show proof of residency and age.
Can I swim in the lake?
No, the primary purpose of the lake is for municipal water supply so swimming is not allowed.
What fish species are in the lake and what are the size limits?
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the most sought after fish in the lake. Other species include bluegill, carp, and shad. An angler is allowed a limit of five (5) bass over 14 inches per day. There are no other size or number limits on fish.
Does the lake sell live bait?
Yes, the lake sells night crawlers, red worms, and crickets. We do not sell minnows. Hooks, weights, bobbers, and ice may also be purchased at the Marina.
City of Graham Drone Policy
NCWRC Boating Rules & Regulations
Special Use Form (for approved fire/rescue groups only)
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